From early mornings in the barn to proud moments in the show ring, the Spring Livestock Show & Fair once again brought the Spring ISD community together. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the event took place April 9–11 at the Nagy Pavilion, uniting students, families, and community members for three days of competition that reflect the agricultural programs shaping student growth across the district.

Organized by the Spring Tri-Club — a nonprofit partnership among the district’s FFA, 4-H and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapters — the event showcased more than livestock competitions. Students also presented artwork, baked goods, and culinary creations, highlighting the diverse talents developed across Spring ISD programs.

“This 75-year tradition is a testament to what makes Spring ISD special: strong programs, dedicated students, and a community that shows up,” said Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar.  “The commitment, discipline and pride on display here reflect the values we strive to instill in every student; preparing them not just for today, but for their future.”

Beyond the competitions, the event also demonstrated its lasting impact through meaningful investment in students. The annual auction raised $16,241 through the Superintendent’s Stampede, a district-supported buyers group that has invested in student exhibitors since 2007. Proceeds fund student scholarships and support returning competitors, while animals purchased through the Stampede are processed and donated to local nonprofits, extending the impact of each sale far beyond the show ring and into the community.

It is this combination of tradition, opportunity, and community support that continues to carry the event forward year after year. That legacy is especially meaningful for Jana Gonzalez, former Spring ISD board member and First Vice President of the Spring Livestock Show, who reflected on the significance of the 75-year milestone and the event’s growth since its founding.

“We have grown significantly over the years,” Gonzalez said.” What has been very important however is that we’ve stayed involved with younger kids coming in, and showing them what they are capable of.”

That support to younger students is built long before they ever enter the show ring. Behind every project is months of dedication and daily responsibility. Steers require nearly 10 months of daily care, while pigs, lambs and goats are raised from November through April. Many students also begin preparing their art and culinary entries shortly after the previous year’s show concludes.

“These kids have worked hard all year long,” Gonzalez said. “Seeing their creativity win awards — it’s just amazing.”

Among those students is Sekai Smith, a freshman at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School competing in his first show after joining FFA through the district’s veterinary pathway.  Smith raised a pig named Bacon and earned reserve champion honors in his first-year as an exhibitor.

“I just feel honored to win second place in my first year, because most people can’t even do that,” Smith said. “It’s just a stepping stone and I am coming for grand champion next year.”

Spring ISD Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services Dr. Michael Love, who was also in attendance, said experiences like Smith’s are what the event is all about.

“It provides grit, and it trains them on patience,” Love said. “Project-based learning, collaboration, and fortitude are all attributes that will make them great citizens when they graduate and great representatives of Spring ISD.”

Love also credited the parents working behind the scenes, noting their efforts of hauling animals before dawn, attending planning meetings and staffing volunteer committees throughout the year.

“We cannot maximize opportunities for our students or help them reach their full potential without the support of our parents,” Love said. “This event is a powerful testament to that partnership.”